One Day at a Time

In our daily life, busy with obligations and responsibilities, we sometimes forget to acknowledge or appreciate the goodness which truly permeates our days and our relationships.  It is obvious that when there is a person who is in need, or even a country crying for help, people from all walks of life open their hearts, lending a hand by reaching out to others.

Marco Island, Goodland and the Isles of Capri are a historical part of the Ten Thousand Islands rimming the primitive Everglades.  Throughout time there has been no end to the list of people helping others.  In modern day Marco where technology, the pace of life, and the expectations of manicured beauty, comfort and a regulated lifestyle are preferred, when it comes to helping others, no holds are barred.

Something as heartfelt as Alan Sandlin’s prayer blessing the fleet of the Marco Bay Yacht Club Saturday, January 30 sends words, thoughts, and feelings to remind us all of the goodness and glory of life; to wish for the safety and safe travel to others.

General Manager of the Hilton, Mac Chaudhry, his staff, and the Marco community, at short notice came out in mass giving of time and money to survivors in Haiti to help build their lives once again.  Over $23,000 was raised and given to Hope for Haiti and the American Red Cross.

Countless of not-for-profit organizations on Marco, Isles of Capri and in Goodland focus on special needs which embrace segments of our population of which we are not even aware.  To begin naming this long list and to include

everyone would be impossible.  Friends and recipients, however, know when their lives are changed and hope is given.

Elaine Ritchie, 14 years ago, had a vision to give to Hospice and at the same time, have fun.  The Mardi Gras Goodland Boat Parade was born and has since become a huge event in Goodland.  Last year over $20,000 was raised and donated to AVOW Hospice of Naples.  This year the 14th Annual Goodland Boat Parade is Saturday, February 13 and there is still time, up to 11 a.m., to register your boat to be in the parade.

Project Rescue of the Marco Island Art League has been an amazing and successful outreach into the community.   Those who really didn’t know much about the Art League are now active supporters.  Why is it that sometimes we need difficulty to be made aware of how good and how much we have?

The Marco Island Historical Society is an example of a strongly dedicated group of people with a single-minded focus which has obtained seemingly unreachable goals.

The Kiwanis, Rotary, Optimist, the multitude of church organizations, and so many other no-for-profits all are composed of groups of people who come together to make a difference.

The American Cancer Society, within this 30-day period, have organized two major fundraisers.  The Cattle Barons’ Ball and Marking Strides Against Cancer brings in thousands upon thousands of dollars, all because people care.
Television, the Internet, and newspapers all bring us ‘breaking news’ of the day.  Let’s make a point to dig a little deeper, to strive to see, to highlight the goodness which is radiated within us all.